Health

The immune system: Hyperthyroidism

Article Abstract:

The thyroid gland is situated in the neck and its main function is to produce thyroid hormones. It is controlled by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland, which itself is controlled by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in adults. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are increased appetite, insomnia, irritability, nervousness and heat intolerance, and weight loss is usual. Cardiac disease is a common complication in hyperthyroidism.

Hypertension

Article Abstract:

Hypertension is a common condition in the Western world, requiring life-long drug therapy to maintain blood pressure (BP). Links between BP measurements and cardiovascular prolems depend on age, sex, race and pregnancy, and associated risk such as smoking. Hypertension is defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90mmHg on more than one occasion, and it can lead to complications such as stroke. Main treatment is drug therapy and interventions, and nonpharmacological interventions include a major review of lifestyle.

Community teamwork is key to monitoring the side-effects of medication

Article Abstract:

Nurses will require effective training if they are to play a part in managing the medication of patients with long-term illnesses. A pharmacology module in the specialist practice component of the Diploma in Community Health Studies at the School of Health Sciences, University of Wales, Swansea, is discussed.